A look behind the scenes at an integral part of an orthodontic practice: orthodontic assistants 

When you think of getting braces or clear aligners, your first thought might be the orthodontist—the specialist who helps straighten your teeth. But every orthodontist office has several departments, each specializing in a different function. All these team members and departments work together like the different parts of a machine. 

These specialized roles can include:

• orthodontic assistants

have you ever wondered about the friendly face who gets you settled in the chair, takes your X-rays, or helps with your braces adjustments? That’s the orthodontic assistant, and they’re a crucial part of the team behind your smile.

So, what exactly does an orthodontic assistant do?

1. They’re the Orthodontist’s Right Hand

Think of an orthodontic assistant as the co-pilot. While the orthodontist focuses on the treatment plan and key adjustments, the assistant handles many of the hands-on tasks. They prepare the tools, set up the patient, and often stay by your side throughout the appointment.

2. They Help With Braces and Appliances

Orthodontic assistants are trained to:

• Place and remove orthodontic brackets and bands (under the orthodontist’s direction)
• Take molds or impressions of your teeth
• Adjust wires and tighten braces
• Provide instructions for how to care for your braces or aligners

Basically, they make sure everything’s working smoothly—and comfortably.

3. X-rays, Photos, and Scans—They Do That Too

Before treatment starts and throughout the process, orthodontic assistants often take digital scans, photographs, or X-rays of your teeth. These images help the orthodontist track your progress and make any necessary tweaks to your treatment.

4. They Keep Things Clean and Safe

Infection control is a big deal in any dental office. Orthodontic assistants are responsible for sterilizing instruments, keeping treatment rooms clean, and making sure everything is safe and ready to go for each patient.

5. They’re Masters of Communication

Ever felt nervous in the dental chair? A good orthodontic assistant helps put patients—especially kids—at ease. They explain what’s happening in easy-to-understand language, answer questions, and often become the go-to person for day-to-day concerns like “Is this wire supposed to poke like that?”

6. They Keep the Office Flowing

Beyond clinical duties, orthodontic assistants often juggle scheduling, patient records, and other behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the practice running smoothly.